Conflict, contradiction and crisis: an analysis of the politics of AIDS policy in post-Apartheid South Africa
- Authors: Fletcher, Haley Kim
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Political aspects -- Africa, Southern AIDS (Disease) -- Political aspects -- South Africa AIDS (Disease) -- Government policy -- South Africa Africa -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2775 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002985
- Description: Despite the profound impacts of HIV and AIDS on all sectors of South African society, governmental responses to the AIDS epidemic have been inundated with contradiction, conflict and contestation. Though governmental leaders have justified not funding HIV treatment programs because they believe that poverty needs to be dealt with first, social spending has been slashed as part of an adherence to a neo-liberal economic model. Though it would seem that the government would seem to have everything to gain by establishing a cooperative relationship with non-governmental actors regarding the epidemic, the relationship between the government and non-governmental actors has instead been described as nothing short of hostile. Though the government enthusiastically backed Virodene, a supposed treatment for AIDS that turned out to be no more than an industrial solvent, other ‘scientifically backed’ AIDS treatments have been treated with caution and skepticism – to the point where the government even refused to provide funding for programs to prevent mother to child transmission of the virus. And perhaps the most perplexing is that although widely respected for his intellect and cool demeanor, former President Mbeki chose to risk his political career on the AIDS issue by shunning away from the mainstream consensus on the biomedical causes of the epidemic and instead surrounded himself and sought advice from AIDS ‘dissidents’ This thesis will seek explanations for these apparent contradictions. Using Bourdieu’s (1986) typology of capitals, it will build on an argument put forward by Helen Schneider (2002): from the South African government’s perspective, the contestation regarding HIV and AIDS policy and implementation is over symbolic capital, or the right to legitimately hold and exercise political power regarding the epidemic. Though this argument helps explain the conflictual relationship between the government and non-governmental actors regarding the AIDS crisis, in order to understand the perplexing contradictions within the governmental policy response, the political context of policy formation must first be taken into consideration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Fletcher, Haley Kim
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Political aspects -- Africa, Southern AIDS (Disease) -- Political aspects -- South Africa AIDS (Disease) -- Government policy -- South Africa Africa -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2775 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002985
- Description: Despite the profound impacts of HIV and AIDS on all sectors of South African society, governmental responses to the AIDS epidemic have been inundated with contradiction, conflict and contestation. Though governmental leaders have justified not funding HIV treatment programs because they believe that poverty needs to be dealt with first, social spending has been slashed as part of an adherence to a neo-liberal economic model. Though it would seem that the government would seem to have everything to gain by establishing a cooperative relationship with non-governmental actors regarding the epidemic, the relationship between the government and non-governmental actors has instead been described as nothing short of hostile. Though the government enthusiastically backed Virodene, a supposed treatment for AIDS that turned out to be no more than an industrial solvent, other ‘scientifically backed’ AIDS treatments have been treated with caution and skepticism – to the point where the government even refused to provide funding for programs to prevent mother to child transmission of the virus. And perhaps the most perplexing is that although widely respected for his intellect and cool demeanor, former President Mbeki chose to risk his political career on the AIDS issue by shunning away from the mainstream consensus on the biomedical causes of the epidemic and instead surrounded himself and sought advice from AIDS ‘dissidents’ This thesis will seek explanations for these apparent contradictions. Using Bourdieu’s (1986) typology of capitals, it will build on an argument put forward by Helen Schneider (2002): from the South African government’s perspective, the contestation regarding HIV and AIDS policy and implementation is over symbolic capital, or the right to legitimately hold and exercise political power regarding the epidemic. Though this argument helps explain the conflictual relationship between the government and non-governmental actors regarding the AIDS crisis, in order to understand the perplexing contradictions within the governmental policy response, the political context of policy formation must first be taken into consideration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Constructions of masculinity in young men's talk on domesticity
- Authors: Winnaar, Lucille
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Home , Home economics , Sex role , Identity (Psychology) , Masculinity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (C Psy)
- Identifier: vital:11848 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001261 , Home , Home economics , Sex role , Identity (Psychology) , Masculinity
- Description: The purpose of this study was to elucidate participant’s understandings of the notion of masculinity and the implications thereof for their gendered identities. The study was approached from a, broadly speaking, social constructionsist paradigm following an inductive theme of nquiry. This study looked at masculinities (plural) rather than masculinity (singular) and the way in which these masculinities are constructed in participants talk about chores within the homespace. Consistent with this approach, data was collected by means of personal semi-structured, face-toface interviews with nine young adult male participants. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and data was therefore in the form of text. The interview texts were analyzed using Parker's criteria for a discourse analysis. Discourse analysis was the chosen method of analysis as it is an appropriate method for identifying and analysing constructs of masculinity in young men's talk on domesticity. There were three main themes identified in this study namely that of the traditional notions of masculinity, new age constructions and the gendered constructions of chores. This study implicitly shows that though masculinity was overwhelmingly constructed within the traditional notions of masculinity, with respect to the performance of chores within the home-space however, the men in this study report negotiations of their gendered identities within their heterosexual relationships. Furthermore, these negotiations do not seem to trouble the notion of masculinity as it is normalised by the participants in recognition of their performances of traditional female chores within the home-space.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Winnaar, Lucille
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Home , Home economics , Sex role , Identity (Psychology) , Masculinity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (C Psy)
- Identifier: vital:11848 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001261 , Home , Home economics , Sex role , Identity (Psychology) , Masculinity
- Description: The purpose of this study was to elucidate participant’s understandings of the notion of masculinity and the implications thereof for their gendered identities. The study was approached from a, broadly speaking, social constructionsist paradigm following an inductive theme of nquiry. This study looked at masculinities (plural) rather than masculinity (singular) and the way in which these masculinities are constructed in participants talk about chores within the homespace. Consistent with this approach, data was collected by means of personal semi-structured, face-toface interviews with nine young adult male participants. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and data was therefore in the form of text. The interview texts were analyzed using Parker's criteria for a discourse analysis. Discourse analysis was the chosen method of analysis as it is an appropriate method for identifying and analysing constructs of masculinity in young men's talk on domesticity. There were three main themes identified in this study namely that of the traditional notions of masculinity, new age constructions and the gendered constructions of chores. This study implicitly shows that though masculinity was overwhelmingly constructed within the traditional notions of masculinity, with respect to the performance of chores within the home-space however, the men in this study report negotiations of their gendered identities within their heterosexual relationships. Furthermore, these negotiations do not seem to trouble the notion of masculinity as it is normalised by the participants in recognition of their performances of traditional female chores within the home-space.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Contextualizing the NCS through the use of school gardens in the Butterworth area
- Authors: Rasi, Nandi
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: South African National Biodiversity Institute , Environmental education -- South Africa , School gardens -- South Africa -- Butterworth , Gardening -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa -- Butterworth , Environmental education -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa -- Butterworth , Teacher participation in curriculum planning -- South Africa -- Butterworth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1464 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003345
- Description: The research focuses on how teachers can use school gardens sponsored by South African National Biodiversity Institute as resource materials for teaching and learning. The study also focused on how teachers can integrate local knowledge into the school curriculum. The setting of the research is Zizamele Senior Primary School situated in Zizamele community in Butterworth in the Eastern Cape. The study is designed in portfolio format. It consists of three separate studies: a contextual profile; a stakeholder analysis; and a small-scale action research project, which build on each other. By developing a contextual profile of the research site, and the school community and school gardens project, I was able to collect information that informed the stakeholder analysis and the action research study. Data for the contextual profile was gathered by using a variety of data gathering techniques like questionnaires and interviews. The findings were that: the study area is characterized by socio-economic issues like poverty, unemployment, drug abuse and crime. This requires that the people of the area take responsibility in addressing some of the problems by being involved and knowing where to report issues. The second study, which is the stakeholder analysis, was done to mobilize stakeholders’ contributions to the gardens project in Zizamele School, sponsored by the South African National Biodiversity Institute. Data was collected at meetings and workshops in the schools through interviews. Findings indicated that different stakeholders had various contributions to make and that they were prepared to work with the school and with each other to develop the school garden and the learning potential of the school garden. This paved the way for the small scale action research case study that would follow. The last study, the small scale action research, was undertaken in the same school, Zizamele School, and focused on investigating ways of integrating local knowledge into the curriculum and how teachers use the gardens as resource for teaching and learning, with reference to Life Orientation Learning Area. Data was collected by interviews, questionnaires and worksheets. The study involved two teachers who worked with me on the action research and Grade 5 and 6 learners, as well as some of the community stakeholders. The main finding of the action researched showed the potential for involving community members in the process of integrating local knowledge as a way of implementing aspects of the Life Orientation curriculum requirements. The three studies link with each other, and show that to start with an action research project, one needs to understand the context, and the roles of different stakeholders, and how they might contribute to the programmes in the school. Findings showed that teachers could use gardens as resource materials for teaching and learning, and that they could bring in local knowledge to the school curriculum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Rasi, Nandi
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: South African National Biodiversity Institute , Environmental education -- South Africa , School gardens -- South Africa -- Butterworth , Gardening -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa -- Butterworth , Environmental education -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa -- Butterworth , Teacher participation in curriculum planning -- South Africa -- Butterworth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1464 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003345
- Description: The research focuses on how teachers can use school gardens sponsored by South African National Biodiversity Institute as resource materials for teaching and learning. The study also focused on how teachers can integrate local knowledge into the school curriculum. The setting of the research is Zizamele Senior Primary School situated in Zizamele community in Butterworth in the Eastern Cape. The study is designed in portfolio format. It consists of three separate studies: a contextual profile; a stakeholder analysis; and a small-scale action research project, which build on each other. By developing a contextual profile of the research site, and the school community and school gardens project, I was able to collect information that informed the stakeholder analysis and the action research study. Data for the contextual profile was gathered by using a variety of data gathering techniques like questionnaires and interviews. The findings were that: the study area is characterized by socio-economic issues like poverty, unemployment, drug abuse and crime. This requires that the people of the area take responsibility in addressing some of the problems by being involved and knowing where to report issues. The second study, which is the stakeholder analysis, was done to mobilize stakeholders’ contributions to the gardens project in Zizamele School, sponsored by the South African National Biodiversity Institute. Data was collected at meetings and workshops in the schools through interviews. Findings indicated that different stakeholders had various contributions to make and that they were prepared to work with the school and with each other to develop the school garden and the learning potential of the school garden. This paved the way for the small scale action research case study that would follow. The last study, the small scale action research, was undertaken in the same school, Zizamele School, and focused on investigating ways of integrating local knowledge into the curriculum and how teachers use the gardens as resource for teaching and learning, with reference to Life Orientation Learning Area. Data was collected by interviews, questionnaires and worksheets. The study involved two teachers who worked with me on the action research and Grade 5 and 6 learners, as well as some of the community stakeholders. The main finding of the action researched showed the potential for involving community members in the process of integrating local knowledge as a way of implementing aspects of the Life Orientation curriculum requirements. The three studies link with each other, and show that to start with an action research project, one needs to understand the context, and the roles of different stakeholders, and how they might contribute to the programmes in the school. Findings showed that teachers could use gardens as resource materials for teaching and learning, and that they could bring in local knowledge to the school curriculum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Continuous assessment in Oshikwanyama: a case study
- Nghiueuelekuah, Soini Tuhafeni
- Authors: Nghiueuelekuah, Soini Tuhafeni
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Educational tests and measurements -- Namibia -- Case studies Kuanyama language -- Namibia -- Case studies Kuanyama language -- Study and teaching -- Namibia -- Case studies Language and education -- Namibia -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1465 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003346
- Description: This study is about Continuous Assessment (CA) in teaching and learning, a new concept and approach in independent Namibia. The country's education system was reformed shortly after independence in 1990 to fulfill the intention for Education for All. The Namibian education system then moved from a behaviorist to constructivist philosophy of education. The move made from one philosophy to another resulted in many changes in teaching and learning including changes in assessment in education. CA is born out of a constructivist philosophy. It is believed to facilitate learning with understanding. In this study I explored the understanding of Oshikwanyama teachers and their practice of CA in teaching and learning. Interviews, classroom observations and document analysis were used. The research focused on 10 participants in the Ohangwena and Oshana regions. The participants ranged from a Head of Department to members of the curriculum panel, subject advisors and Oshikwanyama subject facilitators as well as teachers at the classroom level. It was revealed that generally speaking, CA as a term is understood, but the practice is not well implemented. In the practice of CA, instead of learners being assessed for further learning, the emphasis is on scored marks without further assistance in learning. Further, the collection of marks during CA is often seen as largely for the purpose of contributing to the marks for summative final marks. Informal assessment which is part of CA was not given attention, which is a key factor preventing the effective use of CA in teaching and learning. Methods such as marking grids that are provided in the syllabus, as well as portfolios and learners' profiles, were not mentioned in the interviews nor observed as being in use. Participants in the study did acknowledge that they did not fully understand how best to implement CA. Overall, the evidence pointed to a conclusion that the identified shortcomings in the implementation of formative assessment is limiting the realization of the rich potential for CA as a day-to-day tool to facilitate learning for understanding in the observed classes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Nghiueuelekuah, Soini Tuhafeni
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Educational tests and measurements -- Namibia -- Case studies Kuanyama language -- Namibia -- Case studies Kuanyama language -- Study and teaching -- Namibia -- Case studies Language and education -- Namibia -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1465 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003346
- Description: This study is about Continuous Assessment (CA) in teaching and learning, a new concept and approach in independent Namibia. The country's education system was reformed shortly after independence in 1990 to fulfill the intention for Education for All. The Namibian education system then moved from a behaviorist to constructivist philosophy of education. The move made from one philosophy to another resulted in many changes in teaching and learning including changes in assessment in education. CA is born out of a constructivist philosophy. It is believed to facilitate learning with understanding. In this study I explored the understanding of Oshikwanyama teachers and their practice of CA in teaching and learning. Interviews, classroom observations and document analysis were used. The research focused on 10 participants in the Ohangwena and Oshana regions. The participants ranged from a Head of Department to members of the curriculum panel, subject advisors and Oshikwanyama subject facilitators as well as teachers at the classroom level. It was revealed that generally speaking, CA as a term is understood, but the practice is not well implemented. In the practice of CA, instead of learners being assessed for further learning, the emphasis is on scored marks without further assistance in learning. Further, the collection of marks during CA is often seen as largely for the purpose of contributing to the marks for summative final marks. Informal assessment which is part of CA was not given attention, which is a key factor preventing the effective use of CA in teaching and learning. Methods such as marking grids that are provided in the syllabus, as well as portfolios and learners' profiles, were not mentioned in the interviews nor observed as being in use. Participants in the study did acknowledge that they did not fully understand how best to implement CA. Overall, the evidence pointed to a conclusion that the identified shortcomings in the implementation of formative assessment is limiting the realization of the rich potential for CA as a day-to-day tool to facilitate learning for understanding in the observed classes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Contributions to the study of a class of optimal control problems on the matrix lie group SO(3)
- Authors: Rodgerson, Joanne Kelly
- Date: 2009 , 2013-07-12
- Subjects: Matrix groups , Lie groups , Maximum principles (Mathematics) , Elliptic functions , Extremal problems (Mathematics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5421 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007199 , Matrix groups , Lie groups , Maximum principles (Mathematics) , Elliptic functions , Extremal problems (Mathematics)
- Description: The purpose of this thesis is to investigate a class of four left-invariant optimal control problems on the special orthogonal group SO(3). The set of all control-affine left-invariant control systems on SO(3) can, without loss, be reduced to a class of four typical controllable left-invariant control systems on SO(3) . The left-invariant optimal control problem on SO(3) involves finding a trajectory-control pair on SO (3), which minimizes a cost functional, and satisfies the given dynamical constraints and boundary conditions in a fixed time. The problem is lifted to the cotangent bundle T*SO(3) = SO(3) x so (3)* using the optimal Hamiltonian on so(3)*, where the maximum principle yields the optimal control. In a contribution to the study of this class of optimal control problems on SO(3), the extremal equations on so(3)* (ident ified with JR3) are integrated via elliptic functions to obtain explicit expressions for the solution curves in each typical case. The energy-Casimir method is used to give sufficient conditions for non-linear stability of the equilibrium states. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Rodgerson, Joanne Kelly
- Date: 2009 , 2013-07-12
- Subjects: Matrix groups , Lie groups , Maximum principles (Mathematics) , Elliptic functions , Extremal problems (Mathematics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5421 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007199 , Matrix groups , Lie groups , Maximum principles (Mathematics) , Elliptic functions , Extremal problems (Mathematics)
- Description: The purpose of this thesis is to investigate a class of four left-invariant optimal control problems on the special orthogonal group SO(3). The set of all control-affine left-invariant control systems on SO(3) can, without loss, be reduced to a class of four typical controllable left-invariant control systems on SO(3) . The left-invariant optimal control problem on SO(3) involves finding a trajectory-control pair on SO (3), which minimizes a cost functional, and satisfies the given dynamical constraints and boundary conditions in a fixed time. The problem is lifted to the cotangent bundle T*SO(3) = SO(3) x so (3)* using the optimal Hamiltonian on so(3)*, where the maximum principle yields the optimal control. In a contribution to the study of this class of optimal control problems on SO(3), the extremal equations on so(3)* (ident ified with JR3) are integrated via elliptic functions to obtain explicit expressions for the solution curves in each typical case. The energy-Casimir method is used to give sufficient conditions for non-linear stability of the equilibrium states. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Coping strategies of African women middle managers in the manufacturing industry
- Authors: Mayeko, Ncedisa
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Women executives -- South Africa , Stress management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9901 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1071 , Women executives -- South Africa , Stress management
- Description: African women in South Africa have for decades, if not centuries, been marginalized in the workplace. With the dawn of the new South Africa came Affirmative Action and subsequently, the Employment Equity Act. These policies offered African women opportunities to enter the workplace. The review of the literature shows that the psychological functioning of African women managers has received minimal research attention. In addition, the literature review on coping focused on the individual and communal coping strategies which indicated that individual and systemic strategies have been neglected in both the theories of coping and extant empirical literature. The current study addresses this through the conceptualisation of coping from a systemic perspective. The current study aimed to explore and describe the coping strategies of African women middle managers in the manufacturing industry in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area. The study was conducted within a qualitative research paradigm and took the form of exploratory research. Non-probability snowball sampling was utilized to identify participants for the study. The sample consisted of three African women managers who held middle management positions in the manufacturing industry in the Nelson Mandela metropolitan area. Semi-structured interviewing was utilised to collect the data. In order to analyse the data, Tesch’s (1990) qualitative analysis steps were utilised. The study showed that African women middle managers relied on individual strategies such as assertiveness, spirituality and, positive attitude to cope. These individual strategies were not used in isolation, as the participants relied on various subsystems within which they were embedded to cope with the demands they faced.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mayeko, Ncedisa
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Women executives -- South Africa , Stress management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9901 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1071 , Women executives -- South Africa , Stress management
- Description: African women in South Africa have for decades, if not centuries, been marginalized in the workplace. With the dawn of the new South Africa came Affirmative Action and subsequently, the Employment Equity Act. These policies offered African women opportunities to enter the workplace. The review of the literature shows that the psychological functioning of African women managers has received minimal research attention. In addition, the literature review on coping focused on the individual and communal coping strategies which indicated that individual and systemic strategies have been neglected in both the theories of coping and extant empirical literature. The current study addresses this through the conceptualisation of coping from a systemic perspective. The current study aimed to explore and describe the coping strategies of African women middle managers in the manufacturing industry in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area. The study was conducted within a qualitative research paradigm and took the form of exploratory research. Non-probability snowball sampling was utilized to identify participants for the study. The sample consisted of three African women managers who held middle management positions in the manufacturing industry in the Nelson Mandela metropolitan area. Semi-structured interviewing was utilised to collect the data. In order to analyse the data, Tesch’s (1990) qualitative analysis steps were utilised. The study showed that African women middle managers relied on individual strategies such as assertiveness, spirituality and, positive attitude to cope. These individual strategies were not used in isolation, as the participants relied on various subsystems within which they were embedded to cope with the demands they faced.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Coping with xenophobia : Senegalese migrants in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Barbali, Silvana Claudia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Xenophobia -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Migrant labor -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Immigrants -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Foreign workers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Aliens -- South Africa -- Social conditions Immigrants -- Africa -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2102 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002665
- Description: This thesis seeks to investigate Senegalese migrants' experiences of xenophobia in South Africa. It explores prevailing theories used to explain the phenomenon of xenophobia and uses data collected via anthropological fieldwork to support arguments made. It is argued that a culture of migration in Senegal and the significance of migration as a rite of passage in Senegalese masculinity assists migrants to orientate themselves in host countries, and influences the way Senegalese are „received‟ by South Africans. In addition, Senegalese Islam (Sufi Orientation), which organises its members into brotherhoods, assists in the social integration of Senegalese men in Port Elizabeth. The men belong to the Mouride Brotherhood and the thesis shows how membership to the brotherhood provides a strong network of support for migrant men without resulting in the enclaving of the men in the broader social and economic context of Port Elizabeth. This has important implications for the individual and collective migration experience of Senegalese and influences the men's creation of meaning in their experiences as migrants. The thesis makes use of the concept of transnationalism to analyse the complex and multifaceted nature of transnational migration, arguing that migration experiences are influenced by a range of transnational factors and is deeply culturally influenced. The research suggests that migration experts and government departments in South Africa should take these complexities into account when formulating new programmes and policies for migrants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Barbali, Silvana Claudia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Xenophobia -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Migrant labor -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Immigrants -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Foreign workers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Aliens -- South Africa -- Social conditions Immigrants -- Africa -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2102 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002665
- Description: This thesis seeks to investigate Senegalese migrants' experiences of xenophobia in South Africa. It explores prevailing theories used to explain the phenomenon of xenophobia and uses data collected via anthropological fieldwork to support arguments made. It is argued that a culture of migration in Senegal and the significance of migration as a rite of passage in Senegalese masculinity assists migrants to orientate themselves in host countries, and influences the way Senegalese are „received‟ by South Africans. In addition, Senegalese Islam (Sufi Orientation), which organises its members into brotherhoods, assists in the social integration of Senegalese men in Port Elizabeth. The men belong to the Mouride Brotherhood and the thesis shows how membership to the brotherhood provides a strong network of support for migrant men without resulting in the enclaving of the men in the broader social and economic context of Port Elizabeth. This has important implications for the individual and collective migration experience of Senegalese and influences the men's creation of meaning in their experiences as migrants. The thesis makes use of the concept of transnationalism to analyse the complex and multifaceted nature of transnational migration, arguing that migration experiences are influenced by a range of transnational factors and is deeply culturally influenced. The research suggests that migration experts and government departments in South Africa should take these complexities into account when formulating new programmes and policies for migrants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Correction, addition and deletion : memory and its function in creating "visual narratives" (and identity) in photographic art
- Authors: Geyer, Xanthe Amanda
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Botha, Lien, 1961- Photography -- Social aspects Memory in art Photography -- Philosophy Identity (Philosophical concept)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2402 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002198
- Description: With this dissertation I propose to investigate critical theories dealing with memory and its role in photography. The function of memory is a well discussed and analysed topic within the ambit of historical research. Drawing from theoretical texts by critical theorists, namely, Roland Barthes, Annette Kuhn and Marianne Hirsch, I will critically address the function of memory in the understanding of photography; particularly how photographs have the ability to construct our identity in terms of history and narrative. I will study the content of memory in relation to visual images, focusing on what is remembered, what is suppressed, and finally, what is transformed when viewing an image. By doing so, I will consider whether or not still photographs have the ability to construct the past in a narrative form that is intrinsic to its medium. This consideration will be undertaken with specific reference to the works of contemporary South African artist Lien Botha. Special attention will be directed to her series of work entitled Amendment (2006), a series which permits me in turn, to deal with issues pertaining to memory and “visual narrative” which I have explored in my own professional art practice namely, Memory Boxes, Back Stories, Faces of You and Me, Memories Re-layered and Ghostly Remnants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Geyer, Xanthe Amanda
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Botha, Lien, 1961- Photography -- Social aspects Memory in art Photography -- Philosophy Identity (Philosophical concept)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2402 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002198
- Description: With this dissertation I propose to investigate critical theories dealing with memory and its role in photography. The function of memory is a well discussed and analysed topic within the ambit of historical research. Drawing from theoretical texts by critical theorists, namely, Roland Barthes, Annette Kuhn and Marianne Hirsch, I will critically address the function of memory in the understanding of photography; particularly how photographs have the ability to construct our identity in terms of history and narrative. I will study the content of memory in relation to visual images, focusing on what is remembered, what is suppressed, and finally, what is transformed when viewing an image. By doing so, I will consider whether or not still photographs have the ability to construct the past in a narrative form that is intrinsic to its medium. This consideration will be undertaken with specific reference to the works of contemporary South African artist Lien Botha. Special attention will be directed to her series of work entitled Amendment (2006), a series which permits me in turn, to deal with issues pertaining to memory and “visual narrative” which I have explored in my own professional art practice namely, Memory Boxes, Back Stories, Faces of You and Me, Memories Re-layered and Ghostly Remnants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Corruption and its effects on the development of the construction industry in Malawi
- Chiocha, Charles Injess Martin
- Authors: Chiocha, Charles Injess Martin
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Contruction industry -- Corrupt practices -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9692 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/933 , Contruction industry -- Corrupt practices -- Malawi
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate corruption and its effects on the development of the construction industry in Malawi. The major causes were identified and probable solutions as well as preventive measures suggested for all stakeholders in the construction industry in Malawi and neighbouring countries to follow in order to combat bribery and corruption. This treatise consisted of a literature review for the causes of bribery, fraud and corruption, effects of corruption on the construction industry, preventive measures, probable solutions to corruption and a descriptive survey involving responses from building and civil engineering contractors, the built environment professionals, home owners, developers, public works officers amongst others from the construction industry in Malawi. According to the literature study, the construction industry is one of the most corrupt industries in the world, which is a huge concern and threat both to governments, investors and humanity at large. This must be addressed by all the official players in the construction industry, from the innovator of a project to the tradesmen employed on that site. The research showed that all players in the construction industry are aware of the impact of corruption on the development of the construction industry in Malawi. Furthermore, there is room for improvement as far as prevention, reduction and elimination of corruption is concerned.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Chiocha, Charles Injess Martin
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Contruction industry -- Corrupt practices -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9692 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/933 , Contruction industry -- Corrupt practices -- Malawi
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate corruption and its effects on the development of the construction industry in Malawi. The major causes were identified and probable solutions as well as preventive measures suggested for all stakeholders in the construction industry in Malawi and neighbouring countries to follow in order to combat bribery and corruption. This treatise consisted of a literature review for the causes of bribery, fraud and corruption, effects of corruption on the construction industry, preventive measures, probable solutions to corruption and a descriptive survey involving responses from building and civil engineering contractors, the built environment professionals, home owners, developers, public works officers amongst others from the construction industry in Malawi. According to the literature study, the construction industry is one of the most corrupt industries in the world, which is a huge concern and threat both to governments, investors and humanity at large. This must be addressed by all the official players in the construction industry, from the innovator of a project to the tradesmen employed on that site. The research showed that all players in the construction industry are aware of the impact of corruption on the development of the construction industry in Malawi. Furthermore, there is room for improvement as far as prevention, reduction and elimination of corruption is concerned.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Critical analysis of the 2007 public service strike and its impact on the evolution of formalised collective bargaining in South Africa
- Authors: Bhe, Vuyisile
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Collective bargaining -- South Africa , Dispute resolution (Law) -- South Africa , Strikes and lockouts -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10192 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1043 , Collective bargaining -- South Africa , Dispute resolution (Law) -- South Africa , Strikes and lockouts -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa
- Description: Section 213 of the Labour Relations Act defines ’strike’ as the partial or complete concerted refusal to work, or the retardation or obstruction of work, by persons who are or have been employed by the same employer or by different employers, for the purpose of remedying a grievance or resolving a dispute in respect of any matter of mutual interest between the employer and employee, and any reference to “work” this definition includes overtime work, whether it is voluntary or compulsory. According to Mcllroy: “As long as our society is divided between those who own and control the means of production and those who only have the ability to work, strikes will be inevitable because they are the ultimate means workers have of protecting themselves.” 1 The Constitutional Court justified the exclusion of a constitutional right to lock out and the inclusion of a constitutional right to strike by indicating that the right to strike is not equivalent to a right to lock out and is essential for workplace democracy. 2 The right to strike is essential to bolster collective bargaining and thereby to give employees the power to bargain effectively with employers. The employers on the According to the Constitutional Court employers enjoy greater social and economic power compared to individual workers and may exercise a wide range of power against workers through a range of weapons, such as dismissal, the employment of alternative or replacement labour, the unilateral implementation of new terms and conditions of employment, and the exclusion of workers from the workplace. To combat this and have a say in the workplace, the Constitutional Court held that “employees need to act in concert to provide them collectively with sufficient power to bargain effectively with employers and exercise collective power primarily through the mechanism of strike action”. The importance of the right to strike in creating workplace democracy is also reflected in a number of Labour Court and Labour Appeal Court judgments. other hand have economic strength that is used to bargain effectively. That is why the strike enjoys constitutional protection, whereas the lock-out does not. , Abstract
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Bhe, Vuyisile
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Collective bargaining -- South Africa , Dispute resolution (Law) -- South Africa , Strikes and lockouts -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10192 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1043 , Collective bargaining -- South Africa , Dispute resolution (Law) -- South Africa , Strikes and lockouts -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa
- Description: Section 213 of the Labour Relations Act defines ’strike’ as the partial or complete concerted refusal to work, or the retardation or obstruction of work, by persons who are or have been employed by the same employer or by different employers, for the purpose of remedying a grievance or resolving a dispute in respect of any matter of mutual interest between the employer and employee, and any reference to “work” this definition includes overtime work, whether it is voluntary or compulsory. According to Mcllroy: “As long as our society is divided between those who own and control the means of production and those who only have the ability to work, strikes will be inevitable because they are the ultimate means workers have of protecting themselves.” 1 The Constitutional Court justified the exclusion of a constitutional right to lock out and the inclusion of a constitutional right to strike by indicating that the right to strike is not equivalent to a right to lock out and is essential for workplace democracy. 2 The right to strike is essential to bolster collective bargaining and thereby to give employees the power to bargain effectively with employers. The employers on the According to the Constitutional Court employers enjoy greater social and economic power compared to individual workers and may exercise a wide range of power against workers through a range of weapons, such as dismissal, the employment of alternative or replacement labour, the unilateral implementation of new terms and conditions of employment, and the exclusion of workers from the workplace. To combat this and have a say in the workplace, the Constitutional Court held that “employees need to act in concert to provide them collectively with sufficient power to bargain effectively with employers and exercise collective power primarily through the mechanism of strike action”. The importance of the right to strike in creating workplace democracy is also reflected in a number of Labour Court and Labour Appeal Court judgments. other hand have economic strength that is used to bargain effectively. That is why the strike enjoys constitutional protection, whereas the lock-out does not. , Abstract
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Critical analysis of the impact of the common law on African indigenous law of inheritance a case study of post colonial legislation in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Gwarinda, Tafira Albert
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Inheritance and succession -- Zimbabwe -- Law and legislation , Tribal government -- Zimbabwe , Customary law -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:11110 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/161 , Inheritance and succession -- Zimbabwe -- Law and legislation , Tribal government -- Zimbabwe , Customary law -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Law and legislation
- Description: The study looks at the main features of African indigenous law of succession and inheritance in Zimbabwe. It draws a distinction between the forms of inheritance practised between the two major ethnic groups, the Shona and the Ndebele. Whilst the research was mainly aimed at these two groups an investigation into inheritance practice by the South African Zulu and Xhosa counterparts was also made. An investigation into the impact of western influence on succession and inheritance was made taking a look at colonial legislation and case law, the general deduction being that it was a vehicle for attaching customary law to a western type law. After independence there was the issue of the impact of constitutionalism and international human rights law on succession in post colonial Zimbabwe. These were tools for change by bringing in notions of equality between men and women, issues that were highlighted in the cornerstone case of Magaya v Magaya, which was in turn discussed in the light of the Mthemu v Letsela and Bhe trilogy of cases in South Africa. In the final chapter there is a discussion of possibilities of reform and the future of customary law in Zimbabwe the highlight here being conducting proper legal research to ascertain the true purpose of custom.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Gwarinda, Tafira Albert
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Inheritance and succession -- Zimbabwe -- Law and legislation , Tribal government -- Zimbabwe , Customary law -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:11110 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/161 , Inheritance and succession -- Zimbabwe -- Law and legislation , Tribal government -- Zimbabwe , Customary law -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Law and legislation
- Description: The study looks at the main features of African indigenous law of succession and inheritance in Zimbabwe. It draws a distinction between the forms of inheritance practised between the two major ethnic groups, the Shona and the Ndebele. Whilst the research was mainly aimed at these two groups an investigation into inheritance practice by the South African Zulu and Xhosa counterparts was also made. An investigation into the impact of western influence on succession and inheritance was made taking a look at colonial legislation and case law, the general deduction being that it was a vehicle for attaching customary law to a western type law. After independence there was the issue of the impact of constitutionalism and international human rights law on succession in post colonial Zimbabwe. These were tools for change by bringing in notions of equality between men and women, issues that were highlighted in the cornerstone case of Magaya v Magaya, which was in turn discussed in the light of the Mthemu v Letsela and Bhe trilogy of cases in South Africa. In the final chapter there is a discussion of possibilities of reform and the future of customary law in Zimbabwe the highlight here being conducting proper legal research to ascertain the true purpose of custom.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Critical reflective teaching practice in three mathematics teachers
- Authors: Luwango, Luiya
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Education (Secondary) -- Namibia Mathematics teachers -- Training of - -Namibia Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1485 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003366
- Description: This qualitative study reports on critical reflective teaching by three mathematics teachers and how it shapes their classroom practice. The study was carried out in three secondary schools in Rundu in northern Namibia. The study employed a case study method. The selection of teachers was based on their rich practical professional knowledge and exemplary teaching practices. Data collection and analysis was done through an interpretive approach. Interviews and document analyses were the two research tools used, not only for the collection of data but for triangulation also. Interpretations of the findings were validated through member checking. Critical reflective teaching involves thought and action, and it raises teachers’ consciousness of what they do. Through critical reflective practice, teachers scrutinize their beliefs and knowledge of the subject and their practice. Furthermore critical reflective practice may get teachers into a disposition to find alternatives to improve their teaching. In this study, the findings are that participants reflect extensively on their classroom practice. The teachers pointed out that reflection on practice enables them to analyse and evaluate their teaching in line with effective mathematics teaching. They emphasised that critical reflection leads to the identification of weaknesses in teachers’ classroom practice. This culminates in better planning whereby alternative approaches to teaching are exercised. Because of its potential to improve teaching and enhance professional development it is therefore recommended that mathematics teachers be exposed to skills that enhance critical reflective teaching practice. Teachers need to familiarise themselves with the concept of critical reflective teaching in mathematics to meet the demands of superior quality teaching.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Luwango, Luiya
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Education (Secondary) -- Namibia Mathematics teachers -- Training of - -Namibia Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1485 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003366
- Description: This qualitative study reports on critical reflective teaching by three mathematics teachers and how it shapes their classroom practice. The study was carried out in three secondary schools in Rundu in northern Namibia. The study employed a case study method. The selection of teachers was based on their rich practical professional knowledge and exemplary teaching practices. Data collection and analysis was done through an interpretive approach. Interviews and document analyses were the two research tools used, not only for the collection of data but for triangulation also. Interpretations of the findings were validated through member checking. Critical reflective teaching involves thought and action, and it raises teachers’ consciousness of what they do. Through critical reflective practice, teachers scrutinize their beliefs and knowledge of the subject and their practice. Furthermore critical reflective practice may get teachers into a disposition to find alternatives to improve their teaching. In this study, the findings are that participants reflect extensively on their classroom practice. The teachers pointed out that reflection on practice enables them to analyse and evaluate their teaching in line with effective mathematics teaching. They emphasised that critical reflection leads to the identification of weaknesses in teachers’ classroom practice. This culminates in better planning whereby alternative approaches to teaching are exercised. Because of its potential to improve teaching and enhance professional development it is therefore recommended that mathematics teachers be exposed to skills that enhance critical reflective teaching practice. Teachers need to familiarise themselves with the concept of critical reflective teaching in mathematics to meet the demands of superior quality teaching.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Cultural and linguistic localization of the virtual shop owner interfaces of e commerce platforms for rural development
- Authors: Dyakalashe, Siyabulela
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: User interfaces (Computer systems) , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Computer architecture -- Design and construction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11379 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/276 , User interfaces (Computer systems) , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Computer architecture -- Design and construction
- Description: The introduction of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for rural development in rural marginalized societies is vastly growing. However, the success of developing and deploying ICT related services is still in question as influential factors such as adaptability, scalability, sustainability, and usability have great effect on the rate of growth of ICTs in rural environments. The problem is that these ICT services should be maintained and sustained by the targeted communities. The main cause for rural marginalization is the fact that some communities situated in rural settings are educationally challenged and computer illiterate or semiliterate in comparison with urban communities. An ICT for development (ICT4D) intervention in the form of an e-Commerce platform that targets the social and economic growth of rural marginalized communities has been developed and field tested at Dwesa, a rural community located on the Wild Coast of the former homeland of Transkei in the Eastern Cape Province. The e-Commerce platform is known as “buy at Dwesa” and can be visited at this URL, http://www.dwesa.com. The aim of the e-Commerce platform is to motivate small entrepreneurs in rural areas to market their products and themselves to the global market as they lack the skills and resources for marketing their art and crafts. Virtual stores are created for a small group of entrepreneurs who will maintain and sustain the stores on their own. These entrepreneurs are often elderly women with limited education and little to no computer literacy - meaning that sustaining the stores may prove difficult for them. In this research we discuss the re-design and re-development of the virtual shop-owner interfaces of the e-Commerce platform to make them more culturally and linguistically localized. The virtual shops allow shop-owners to upload their artifacts to advertise and sell on the customer’s end of the e-Commerce platform. For multilingual and multicultural communities, adoption of the software interfaces to the user’s cultural and linguistic needs and modes of expression is important as failure to do so may reduce the level of benefits of e-Commerce initiatives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Dyakalashe, Siyabulela
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: User interfaces (Computer systems) , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Computer architecture -- Design and construction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11379 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/276 , User interfaces (Computer systems) , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Computer architecture -- Design and construction
- Description: The introduction of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for rural development in rural marginalized societies is vastly growing. However, the success of developing and deploying ICT related services is still in question as influential factors such as adaptability, scalability, sustainability, and usability have great effect on the rate of growth of ICTs in rural environments. The problem is that these ICT services should be maintained and sustained by the targeted communities. The main cause for rural marginalization is the fact that some communities situated in rural settings are educationally challenged and computer illiterate or semiliterate in comparison with urban communities. An ICT for development (ICT4D) intervention in the form of an e-Commerce platform that targets the social and economic growth of rural marginalized communities has been developed and field tested at Dwesa, a rural community located on the Wild Coast of the former homeland of Transkei in the Eastern Cape Province. The e-Commerce platform is known as “buy at Dwesa” and can be visited at this URL, http://www.dwesa.com. The aim of the e-Commerce platform is to motivate small entrepreneurs in rural areas to market their products and themselves to the global market as they lack the skills and resources for marketing their art and crafts. Virtual stores are created for a small group of entrepreneurs who will maintain and sustain the stores on their own. These entrepreneurs are often elderly women with limited education and little to no computer literacy - meaning that sustaining the stores may prove difficult for them. In this research we discuss the re-design and re-development of the virtual shop-owner interfaces of the e-Commerce platform to make them more culturally and linguistically localized. The virtual shops allow shop-owners to upload their artifacts to advertise and sell on the customer’s end of the e-Commerce platform. For multilingual and multicultural communities, adoption of the software interfaces to the user’s cultural and linguistic needs and modes of expression is important as failure to do so may reduce the level of benefits of e-Commerce initiatives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Curiosity, exploration, and strategies for dealing with uncertainty amongst psychologists-in-training
- Authors: Gerber, Ora
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Psychologists -- Training of -- South Africa , Psychology -- Study and teaching , Uncertainty -- Psychological aspects , Positive psychology -- South Africa , Risk-taking (Psychology) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9883 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1238 , Psychologists -- Training of -- South Africa , Psychology -- Study and teaching , Uncertainty -- Psychological aspects , Positive psychology -- South Africa , Risk-taking (Psychology) -- South Africa
- Description: By adopting a positive psychology framework, the aim of this study was to explore and describe the level of curiosity and exploration amongst psychologists-in-training, and how they dealt with uncertainty in the context of their professional development. A mixed-method exploratory-descriptive research design was employed to collect the quantitative data by means of the Curiosity and Exploratory Inventory. The qualitative data were collected using semistructured interviews to explore how psychologists-in-training have dealt with uncertainty. Purposive-availability sampling was used to select the participants at three South African universities. A total number of 50 participants completed the CEI and six participants were interviewed. The data were analysed using mixed-method data analysis. It was found that participants had moderate-to-high levels of curiosity and exploration, with higher levels of exploration than absorption. The majority of participants reported that they actively sought as much information as they could and frequently looked for new opportunities to grow as persons. The strategies used by the selected group of participants to deal with uncertainty included: reliance on clinical supervision; consultation with peers; self-enhancement; reliance on theory; learning from practical experience; using certain cognitive appraisals; and self-care. Certain conclusions and recommendations were made based on the findings of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Gerber, Ora
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Psychologists -- Training of -- South Africa , Psychology -- Study and teaching , Uncertainty -- Psychological aspects , Positive psychology -- South Africa , Risk-taking (Psychology) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9883 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1238 , Psychologists -- Training of -- South Africa , Psychology -- Study and teaching , Uncertainty -- Psychological aspects , Positive psychology -- South Africa , Risk-taking (Psychology) -- South Africa
- Description: By adopting a positive psychology framework, the aim of this study was to explore and describe the level of curiosity and exploration amongst psychologists-in-training, and how they dealt with uncertainty in the context of their professional development. A mixed-method exploratory-descriptive research design was employed to collect the quantitative data by means of the Curiosity and Exploratory Inventory. The qualitative data were collected using semistructured interviews to explore how psychologists-in-training have dealt with uncertainty. Purposive-availability sampling was used to select the participants at three South African universities. A total number of 50 participants completed the CEI and six participants were interviewed. The data were analysed using mixed-method data analysis. It was found that participants had moderate-to-high levels of curiosity and exploration, with higher levels of exploration than absorption. The majority of participants reported that they actively sought as much information as they could and frequently looked for new opportunities to grow as persons. The strategies used by the selected group of participants to deal with uncertainty included: reliance on clinical supervision; consultation with peers; self-enhancement; reliance on theory; learning from practical experience; using certain cognitive appraisals; and self-care. Certain conclusions and recommendations were made based on the findings of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Decision making improvement by effectively utilising activity-based costing and activity-based management tools
- Authors: Palmer, Vivian Julian
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Decision making , Thought and thinking
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8677 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1152 , Decision making , Thought and thinking
- Description: The aim of this study was to suggest ways to effectively utilise Activity-Based Costing and Activity-Based Managment within Eskom Transmission Southern Grid to improve decision making towards improved business and financial performance. The ultimate purpose was to assist managers and staff to implement ABC and ABM effectively for improved business and financial performance. The focus was on the following objective: To suggest ways to effectively utilise ABC & ABM within Eskom Transmission Southern Grid as to improve decision making and business financial performance. Given the selection of management tools available, instruments such as ABC and ABM are usually not implemented alone, but may be supported by one or more approaches. For this reason ABC and ABM are contrasted with several other popular instruments mentioned in the literature. The instruments are: • The value chain; • Continuous improvement; • The theory of constraints; and • Total quality management. Insight will be given to provide managers with more accurate information regarding maintenance for the Grid and tools in identifying critical bottlenecks. By applying the TOC, TQM and continuous improvement strategies, managers will be able to make improved decisions, leading to improved financial performance in the Eskom Transmission Southern Grid. iii The literature study revealed that ABC and ABM prove to be the cornerstone for informed decision making. Since organisations are highly dependent on quality information to make these informed decisions, ABC and ABM reorientate the organisation towards understanding and managing work processes thus impacting financial performance positively. ABC and ABM trace the cost of activities such as engineering and procurement to how maintenance benefits from these activities. The empirical study consisted of a structured questionnaire distributed to a sample population of engineers and managers in Eskom Transmission Southern Grid in Port Elizabeth. It was aimed at gathering information about the use of ABC and ABM within the Grid. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with financial staff in the Grid and a focus group interview with engineering staff was done. The main findings of the empirical investigation revealed that management and staff lack insight into the use of ABC and ABM and how it can be integrated with existing improvement systems within the organisation. This study is concluded with a number of recommendations. These recommendations address the shortcomings and improvements that can be made to improve the utilisation of ABC and ABM within the organisation. The recommendations address the following: • Ensuring full commitment towards organisational goals and broadening the endorsement of ABC within the organisation; • Highlighting the importance of financial performance throughout the Grid; • Training of Managers, finance staff and engineers is required for proper execution of the ABC system; • Implementers need skills and know-how of the ABC and ABM system ensuring full utilisation; • The main cost drivers are identified, prioritised and efforts channelled into these activities; • Tools such as the Theory Of Constraints and Total Quality Management from the proposed model would assist the Grid in identifying the bottlenecks of a system correctly, thus know explicitly the amount of slack capacity of each activity available during a specific time period.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Palmer, Vivian Julian
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Decision making , Thought and thinking
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8677 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1152 , Decision making , Thought and thinking
- Description: The aim of this study was to suggest ways to effectively utilise Activity-Based Costing and Activity-Based Managment within Eskom Transmission Southern Grid to improve decision making towards improved business and financial performance. The ultimate purpose was to assist managers and staff to implement ABC and ABM effectively for improved business and financial performance. The focus was on the following objective: To suggest ways to effectively utilise ABC & ABM within Eskom Transmission Southern Grid as to improve decision making and business financial performance. Given the selection of management tools available, instruments such as ABC and ABM are usually not implemented alone, but may be supported by one or more approaches. For this reason ABC and ABM are contrasted with several other popular instruments mentioned in the literature. The instruments are: • The value chain; • Continuous improvement; • The theory of constraints; and • Total quality management. Insight will be given to provide managers with more accurate information regarding maintenance for the Grid and tools in identifying critical bottlenecks. By applying the TOC, TQM and continuous improvement strategies, managers will be able to make improved decisions, leading to improved financial performance in the Eskom Transmission Southern Grid. iii The literature study revealed that ABC and ABM prove to be the cornerstone for informed decision making. Since organisations are highly dependent on quality information to make these informed decisions, ABC and ABM reorientate the organisation towards understanding and managing work processes thus impacting financial performance positively. ABC and ABM trace the cost of activities such as engineering and procurement to how maintenance benefits from these activities. The empirical study consisted of a structured questionnaire distributed to a sample population of engineers and managers in Eskom Transmission Southern Grid in Port Elizabeth. It was aimed at gathering information about the use of ABC and ABM within the Grid. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with financial staff in the Grid and a focus group interview with engineering staff was done. The main findings of the empirical investigation revealed that management and staff lack insight into the use of ABC and ABM and how it can be integrated with existing improvement systems within the organisation. This study is concluded with a number of recommendations. These recommendations address the shortcomings and improvements that can be made to improve the utilisation of ABC and ABM within the organisation. The recommendations address the following: • Ensuring full commitment towards organisational goals and broadening the endorsement of ABC within the organisation; • Highlighting the importance of financial performance throughout the Grid; • Training of Managers, finance staff and engineers is required for proper execution of the ABC system; • Implementers need skills and know-how of the ABC and ABM system ensuring full utilisation; • The main cost drivers are identified, prioritised and efforts channelled into these activities; • Tools such as the Theory Of Constraints and Total Quality Management from the proposed model would assist the Grid in identifying the bottlenecks of a system correctly, thus know explicitly the amount of slack capacity of each activity available during a specific time period.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Deriving value from IT investments within botique hotels: a Buffalo City case study
- Authors: Mathe, Thabelang
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Information technology , Hotels -- Finance , Boardinghouses -- Finance , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: vital:11134 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1000975 , Information technology , Hotels -- Finance , Boardinghouses -- Finance , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- Finance
- Description: Even though many organizations invest in IT, the value that IT is expected to contribute is still not clearly understood. Researchers agree that IT has become a crucial element to business operations and business existence. However, while there is continued investment in new information technologies and systems, organizations are not certain whether significant value is derived from IT investments. The failure to realize good return on IT investments is ascribed to a lack of understanding of IT by organizations and also the failure by organizations to align IT strategies with business strategies. The lack of alignment leads to the failure to match the right IT to the correct task, which leads to the poor application of systems and poor allocation of human resources to tasks. Therefore, organizations such as Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in particular Boutique Hotels, are noted for their failure to derive better IT value. Their unique characteristics are understood to be influential in the way IT is used and managed by affecting the delivery of value from technology. In order to enable Boutique Hotels to derive more value from IT, the IT governance frameworks, Val IT and CobiT (ITGI, 2007), were examined as these integrate good practices to ensure that an organization‘s IT supports the business objectives. In addition, the Task Technology Fit (TTF) (Goodhue and Thompson, 1995) and Gap Analysis (Heeks, 2001) theories were highlighted as these prescribe the platform ideal for more value to be derived from IT. The current status of Boutique Hotels in Buffalo City was assessed through the use of questionnaires and interviews. The collected data was analyzed and resulted in the development of a model that can be used by Boutique Hotels in order to derive more value from IT and to maximize the use of IT.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mathe, Thabelang
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Information technology , Hotels -- Finance , Boardinghouses -- Finance , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: vital:11134 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1000975 , Information technology , Hotels -- Finance , Boardinghouses -- Finance , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- Finance
- Description: Even though many organizations invest in IT, the value that IT is expected to contribute is still not clearly understood. Researchers agree that IT has become a crucial element to business operations and business existence. However, while there is continued investment in new information technologies and systems, organizations are not certain whether significant value is derived from IT investments. The failure to realize good return on IT investments is ascribed to a lack of understanding of IT by organizations and also the failure by organizations to align IT strategies with business strategies. The lack of alignment leads to the failure to match the right IT to the correct task, which leads to the poor application of systems and poor allocation of human resources to tasks. Therefore, organizations such as Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in particular Boutique Hotels, are noted for their failure to derive better IT value. Their unique characteristics are understood to be influential in the way IT is used and managed by affecting the delivery of value from technology. In order to enable Boutique Hotels to derive more value from IT, the IT governance frameworks, Val IT and CobiT (ITGI, 2007), were examined as these integrate good practices to ensure that an organization‘s IT supports the business objectives. In addition, the Task Technology Fit (TTF) (Goodhue and Thompson, 1995) and Gap Analysis (Heeks, 2001) theories were highlighted as these prescribe the platform ideal for more value to be derived from IT. The current status of Boutique Hotels in Buffalo City was assessed through the use of questionnaires and interviews. The collected data was analyzed and resulted in the development of a model that can be used by Boutique Hotels in order to derive more value from IT and to maximize the use of IT.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Detecting changes in elephant body condition in relation to resource quality
- Authors: De Klerk, Christelle
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Elephants -- Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Elephants -- Habitat -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10704 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/939 , Elephants -- Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Elephants -- Habitat -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Elephants, as megaherbivores, are known to have extensive impacts on vegetation, especially in enclosed areas. This raises the issue that elephants in enclosed areas may become limited by resource availability. Resource limitation is generally expressed via density dependence, but elephants, due to their slow demography, may not be affected by initial changes in resource availability. This highlights the need for a more sensitive measure of resource limitation to allow for the detection of energy stress within a population before changes in vital rates occur. This study investigated visual changes in elephant body condition in relation to resource availability in a number of Eastern Cape reserves to assess whether body condition could be used to detect life stages, as well as seasons and sites which may be resource limited. Elephant life stages were divided into energy stressed (newly weaned calves, lactating females, and old females) and non-energy stressed classes (sub-adults and non-lactating females) to determine whether energy stressed life stages were more vulnerable to resource limitation. In the AENP it was found that lactating and old females exhibited significantly poorer body condition than non-energy stressed individuals, but that weaned calves had body conditions similar to non-energy stressed individuals. Comparisons between seasons revealed that all life stages exhibited better condition in winter than summer or spring, with lactating females showing little recovery of condition over time. Seasonal body conditions were correlated with rainfall recorded in the Addo Elephant National Park. Comparisons of elephant body condition between sites (n = 6) revealed that body condition varied across sites, with poorer body condition associated with areas of higher elephant density and low rainfall during the study period. Comparisons with faecal dietary quality data both between sites and seasons indicated that body condition also responded to changes in the availability of protein and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) of plant resources, with higher protein and lower values associated with better condition. Based on condition estimates of elephants occurring in the Addo Main Camp, it was established that this population is experiencing nutritional stress, with energy stressed individuals exhibiting the lowest body conditions. This was supported by dietary quality measures. Our findings suggest that elephant body condition is a good measure for detecting resource limitation, both within populations and between seasons, and that elephant body condition respond to relatively small changes in resource conditions, thus making it an effective measure for the detection of nutritional stress. Additionally, our findings show that energy stressed individuals, particularly lactating and old females are more vulnerable to resource limitation. This demonstrates the importance of monitoring these life stages for the detection of density dependence within populations. Finally, our data suggest that threshold values of faecal dietary quality may exist at which body condition within a population begins to deteriorate, making it possible to determine the condition of a population through values obtained in faecal samples.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: De Klerk, Christelle
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Elephants -- Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Elephants -- Habitat -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10704 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/939 , Elephants -- Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Elephants -- Habitat -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Elephants, as megaherbivores, are known to have extensive impacts on vegetation, especially in enclosed areas. This raises the issue that elephants in enclosed areas may become limited by resource availability. Resource limitation is generally expressed via density dependence, but elephants, due to their slow demography, may not be affected by initial changes in resource availability. This highlights the need for a more sensitive measure of resource limitation to allow for the detection of energy stress within a population before changes in vital rates occur. This study investigated visual changes in elephant body condition in relation to resource availability in a number of Eastern Cape reserves to assess whether body condition could be used to detect life stages, as well as seasons and sites which may be resource limited. Elephant life stages were divided into energy stressed (newly weaned calves, lactating females, and old females) and non-energy stressed classes (sub-adults and non-lactating females) to determine whether energy stressed life stages were more vulnerable to resource limitation. In the AENP it was found that lactating and old females exhibited significantly poorer body condition than non-energy stressed individuals, but that weaned calves had body conditions similar to non-energy stressed individuals. Comparisons between seasons revealed that all life stages exhibited better condition in winter than summer or spring, with lactating females showing little recovery of condition over time. Seasonal body conditions were correlated with rainfall recorded in the Addo Elephant National Park. Comparisons of elephant body condition between sites (n = 6) revealed that body condition varied across sites, with poorer body condition associated with areas of higher elephant density and low rainfall during the study period. Comparisons with faecal dietary quality data both between sites and seasons indicated that body condition also responded to changes in the availability of protein and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) of plant resources, with higher protein and lower values associated with better condition. Based on condition estimates of elephants occurring in the Addo Main Camp, it was established that this population is experiencing nutritional stress, with energy stressed individuals exhibiting the lowest body conditions. This was supported by dietary quality measures. Our findings suggest that elephant body condition is a good measure for detecting resource limitation, both within populations and between seasons, and that elephant body condition respond to relatively small changes in resource conditions, thus making it an effective measure for the detection of nutritional stress. Additionally, our findings show that energy stressed individuals, particularly lactating and old females are more vulnerable to resource limitation. This demonstrates the importance of monitoring these life stages for the detection of density dependence within populations. Finally, our data suggest that threshold values of faecal dietary quality may exist at which body condition within a population begins to deteriorate, making it possible to determine the condition of a population through values obtained in faecal samples.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Detection of contaminants in wool bales using nuclear techniques
- Authors: Rapakgadi, Jim
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Wool scouring , Mohair , X-rays
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10448 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/993 , Wool scouring , Mohair , X-rays
- Description: To improve the quality and the marketability of wool and mohair, it is important to encourage, ensure and preferable certify that the baled fibre is free of contaminants. Anything other than the fibre that is within the bale can be classified as contaminants; this may be in the form of metal and wooden objects, plastic materials, paints, and vegetable matter such as grass and seed. The internationally accepted method for detecting and classifying these contaminants are highly labour intensive and costly. The ultimate goal of the present research is to develop a non-invasive and nondestructive technique that can be used to detect contaminants, particularly plastic (polymer) materials within wool and mohair bales. Such a technique can be implemented in the wool industry and also could be applied to other fibres, such as cotton. The immediate objective of this study was to evaluate the capability and the limitation of X-rays as a technique to detect such contaminants. It was found that X-rays were suitable for detecting foreign objects, or contaminants, such as metals, but not for detecting plastic materials, such as polypropylene and polyethylene.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Rapakgadi, Jim
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Wool scouring , Mohair , X-rays
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10448 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/993 , Wool scouring , Mohair , X-rays
- Description: To improve the quality and the marketability of wool and mohair, it is important to encourage, ensure and preferable certify that the baled fibre is free of contaminants. Anything other than the fibre that is within the bale can be classified as contaminants; this may be in the form of metal and wooden objects, plastic materials, paints, and vegetable matter such as grass and seed. The internationally accepted method for detecting and classifying these contaminants are highly labour intensive and costly. The ultimate goal of the present research is to develop a non-invasive and nondestructive technique that can be used to detect contaminants, particularly plastic (polymer) materials within wool and mohair bales. Such a technique can be implemented in the wool industry and also could be applied to other fibres, such as cotton. The immediate objective of this study was to evaluate the capability and the limitation of X-rays as a technique to detect such contaminants. It was found that X-rays were suitable for detecting foreign objects, or contaminants, such as metals, but not for detecting plastic materials, such as polypropylene and polyethylene.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Determinants of capital structure of small and medium enterprises in the Buffalo City Municipality Eastern Cape Province South Africa
- Authors: Rungani, Ellen Chenesai
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Debt-to-equity ratio , Capital , Value , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
- Identifier: vital:11317 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/271 , Debt-to-equity ratio , Capital , Value , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study investigated the determinants of capital structure of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Buffalo city municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The objectives of the study were, to ascertain whether the use of internal equity (retained profits) was positively or negatively related to the size, age and profitability of the firm. Furthermore the study examined if the use of external equity (capital from owners) was negatively or positively related to the age, size and profitability of the firm. Finally the study wanted to establish if the use of debt was positively or negatively related to the size, age and profitability of the firm. To achieve these objectives, the study hypothesised that age, size and profitability amongst other factors were determinants of capital structure. The study further hypothesised that the use of retained profits by SMEs was negatively related with age, size and profitability of the firm. Furthermore the study hypothesised that the use of external equity by SMEs was negatively related with age, size and profitability of the firm. Finally, the study hypothesised that the use of debt by SMEs was negatively related to the size, age and profitability of the firm. The results revealed that size, age and profitability of the firm were some of the major determinants of capital structure. Finally, the study recommended that SMEs, commercial banks and the South African government take measures to improve access to capital by SMEs. Such measures included government intervention in reducing discrimination from the banks as well as encouragement of SMEs training and education so that they are empowered with business and financial management skills.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Rungani, Ellen Chenesai
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Debt-to-equity ratio , Capital , Value , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
- Identifier: vital:11317 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/271 , Debt-to-equity ratio , Capital , Value , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study investigated the determinants of capital structure of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Buffalo city municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The objectives of the study were, to ascertain whether the use of internal equity (retained profits) was positively or negatively related to the size, age and profitability of the firm. Furthermore the study examined if the use of external equity (capital from owners) was negatively or positively related to the age, size and profitability of the firm. Finally the study wanted to establish if the use of debt was positively or negatively related to the size, age and profitability of the firm. To achieve these objectives, the study hypothesised that age, size and profitability amongst other factors were determinants of capital structure. The study further hypothesised that the use of retained profits by SMEs was negatively related with age, size and profitability of the firm. Furthermore the study hypothesised that the use of external equity by SMEs was negatively related with age, size and profitability of the firm. Finally, the study hypothesised that the use of debt by SMEs was negatively related to the size, age and profitability of the firm. The results revealed that size, age and profitability of the firm were some of the major determinants of capital structure. Finally, the study recommended that SMEs, commercial banks and the South African government take measures to improve access to capital by SMEs. Such measures included government intervention in reducing discrimination from the banks as well as encouragement of SMEs training and education so that they are empowered with business and financial management skills.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Determinants of grade 9 learners' intention to select science/applied sciences as curriculum stream for grade 10: an exploratory study of selected secondary schools in Amathole district
- Authors: Komle, Lindumzi Johnson
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Curriculum planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Science -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Technology -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16157 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/223 , Curriculum planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Science -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Technology -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In schools in the Amathole District and throughout the rest of South Africa efforts are being made to encourage learners to pursue the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream in Grades 10 to 12. The aim of this study was both to determine and to explore those factors which, according to grade 9 learners, would either attract them to or deter them from following the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream from Grade 10 onwards. The study also sought to ascertain the views of teachers regarding the issues raised by the learners. A sample comprising 346 learners and 3 teachers were involved in the study. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods within the context of a post-positivist paradigm and utilising questionnaires and interviews, the study found that, consistent with existing research, there are both intrinsic and extrinsic related factors which play a role in the intention of learners to consider pursuing the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream. The intrinsic factors include learners‟ enjoyment of practical work and love for the Science and Applied Science. Extrinsic factors include perception that jobs in the field of Science and Applied Science compensate well. However, it was the intrinsic factors that pushed the learners to have the intention to follow the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream. Sociological, economic and personal dynamics seem to account for these patterns in the results. By contrast, two key sets of factors deterred the learners from the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream. One relates to factors in their internal loci of control, and the other to factors in learners‟ external loci of control. The internal locus of control factors had a greater influence, which suggests, according to attribution theorists, that the learners were inclined to look within themselves for the reasons that deterred them from the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream. In addition, a cluster analysis was conducted to ascertain whether the demographic profiles of the learners played a role in respect of their intention to pursue the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream. This cluster analysis revealed that, in terms of gender, males were more inclined than females to follow the Science and Applied Science stream. However, it was also significant that peer influence played an important role in attracting males to the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream, whereas it was career interest factors that attracted the females. In terms of ethnic groups, Indians and blacks were more inclined than coloureds and whites to follow the Science and Applied Science stream with whites being the least attracted to this stream. Career choice dynamics provide some explanations for these outcomes. The key contribution of this study lies in the fact that the study has shown that practical work as a teaching strategy may result in greater learner participation in the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream. The study recommends that, in order to promote greater participation in the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream in schools, strategies related to teaching in terms of which both genders are taken into consideration should be implemented. Other recommendations were also made. Nevertheless, it must be borne in mind that the study is a case study and that it is, therefore, not possible to generalise the findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Komle, Lindumzi Johnson
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Curriculum planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Science -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Technology -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16157 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/223 , Curriculum planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Science -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Technology -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In schools in the Amathole District and throughout the rest of South Africa efforts are being made to encourage learners to pursue the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream in Grades 10 to 12. The aim of this study was both to determine and to explore those factors which, according to grade 9 learners, would either attract them to or deter them from following the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream from Grade 10 onwards. The study also sought to ascertain the views of teachers regarding the issues raised by the learners. A sample comprising 346 learners and 3 teachers were involved in the study. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods within the context of a post-positivist paradigm and utilising questionnaires and interviews, the study found that, consistent with existing research, there are both intrinsic and extrinsic related factors which play a role in the intention of learners to consider pursuing the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream. The intrinsic factors include learners‟ enjoyment of practical work and love for the Science and Applied Science. Extrinsic factors include perception that jobs in the field of Science and Applied Science compensate well. However, it was the intrinsic factors that pushed the learners to have the intention to follow the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream. Sociological, economic and personal dynamics seem to account for these patterns in the results. By contrast, two key sets of factors deterred the learners from the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream. One relates to factors in their internal loci of control, and the other to factors in learners‟ external loci of control. The internal locus of control factors had a greater influence, which suggests, according to attribution theorists, that the learners were inclined to look within themselves for the reasons that deterred them from the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream. In addition, a cluster analysis was conducted to ascertain whether the demographic profiles of the learners played a role in respect of their intention to pursue the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream. This cluster analysis revealed that, in terms of gender, males were more inclined than females to follow the Science and Applied Science stream. However, it was also significant that peer influence played an important role in attracting males to the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream, whereas it was career interest factors that attracted the females. In terms of ethnic groups, Indians and blacks were more inclined than coloureds and whites to follow the Science and Applied Science stream with whites being the least attracted to this stream. Career choice dynamics provide some explanations for these outcomes. The key contribution of this study lies in the fact that the study has shown that practical work as a teaching strategy may result in greater learner participation in the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream. The study recommends that, in order to promote greater participation in the Science and Applied Science curriculum stream in schools, strategies related to teaching in terms of which both genders are taken into consideration should be implemented. Other recommendations were also made. Nevertheless, it must be borne in mind that the study is a case study and that it is, therefore, not possible to generalise the findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009